BASIC CALCULUS (Quarter IV, Worksheet No.

1)
EXTREME VALUE THEOREM
Jethro C. Mercado
11 STEM5
1. Determine the absolute extrema of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥3 − 12𝑥 , 𝑥 ∈ [0,4].
3
STEP 1: Verify that the function is Verified that the function f ( x ) = 2x 3 − 12 x is continuous on the interval [0,4]
continuous on the interval [a, b]. by checking three conditions: it's defined for all points within the interval, it has no
discontinuities at the endpoints, and it's a polynomial function, ensuring continuity
throughout the interval.
Need to examine the derivative of f(x) and find where it equals zero within the
interval.
STEP 2: Find all critical points of 6x2−12=0
f(x) that are in the interval [a, b]. 6x2=12
X2=2
X2=±2
So, the critical point of f(x) within the interval [ 0 , 4 ] [0,4] is x = √ 2
At the critical point x= 2
f(√ 2 )=2(√ 2 ) 3 −12(√ 2 )
= 2 ( 2 √ 2 ) − 12 √ 2
= 4 √ 2 − 12 √ 2
=−8 √ 2
At the endpoint x=0
STEP 3: Evaluate the function f(0)=2(0) 3 −12(0) = 0
at the critical points in step 2 At the endpoint x=4
and the endpoints. f(4)=2(4) 3 −12(4)
= 2 ( 64 ) − 48
=128 − 48 = 80

STEP 4: Identify the absolute the absolute minimum of the function f(x)=2x 3 −12x within the interval [ 0 , 4 ] is
extrema. −8 2 at x= 2 , and the absolute maximum is 80 at x=4.

2. Determine the absolute extrema of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥3 + 15𝑥2 − 18𝑥 + 7, 𝑥 ∈ [−1,4].
STEP 1: Verify that the function is first verified that the function is continuous on the interval [ − 1 , 4 ] [−1,4] by
continuous on the interval [a, b]. checking conditions:
The function is defined for all points within the interval.
There are no discontinuities or jumps at the endpoints.
Function: f(x)=4x3+15x2−18x+7
Interval: [−1,4]
STEP 2: Find all critical points of We found the critical point within the interval by taking the derivative of f(x) and
f(x) that are in the interval [a, b]. setting it equal to zero. The critical point we found was x= 1/2 . This critical point
will help us in further analysis to determine the absolute extrema of the function
within the interval.

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STEP 3: Evaluate the function at Critical Point: x= ½
the critical points in step 2 and f = 1/2 – 21/4 + 2/ 4
the endpoints. = − 19/4 + 7
= − 19/4 + 28/4
= 9/4
Endpoints:
1.(−1)=4(−1)3+15(−1)2−18(−1)+7=−4+15+18+7=36
2.f(4)=4(4)3+15(4)2−18(4)+7=256+240−72+7=431

STEP 4: Identify the absolute To identify the absolute extrema, we compare the values of the function at the
extrema. critical point and endpoints within the interval [−1, 4].

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 3. Determine the absolute extrema of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥4 − 4𝑥2 𝑥 ∈ [−1, ].
1 , 2
4 2
STEP 1: Verify that the function is The function f(x) =x −4x is a polynomial function, which means it is continuous
everywhere. Since it is continuous on the entire real number line, it is also continuous on the
continuous on the interval [a, b]. interval] [−1, 1/2 ].
The critical points of f(x) are found by setting its derivative equal to zero and solving for x.
Derivatives:
STEP 2: Find all critical points of f(x)=4x3−8x
f(x) that are in the interval [a, b]. 4x3−8x=0
4x(x2−2)=0

The function values at the critical points and endpoints within the interval [− 1 , 1/2 ] are:
f(0)=0, and f(1/2 )=− 15 /16 .
STEP 3: Evaluate the function at
the critical points in step 2 and
the endpoints.
STEP 4: Identify the absolute  At x= -1 f(−1)=−3
extrema.  At x=0, 0 f(0)=0
 At x=21,f(1/2)=−15/16
the absolute maximum is f(0)=0 and the absolute minimum is f ( 1/ 2 ) = − 15 /16

4. Determine the absolute extrema of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥2 + 7𝑥 − 𝑥 ∈ [−2, − 1].
20, 2
2
STEP 1: Verify that the function is The function f(x) = 3x + 7x - 2) is a polynomial function, ensuring its continuity across the
entire real number line. Consequently, it's continuous on the interval [-2,-1/2]
continuous on the interval [a, b].
The critical points of) f(x) are found by setting its derivative equal to zero and solving for x
Derivative:
STEP 2: Find all critical points of f′(x)=6x+7
f(x) that are in the interval [a, b]. 6x+7=0
6x=−7
x=−7/6
Since x = − 7/6 falls within this interval, it is the only critical point in this interval.

STEP 3: Evaluate the function at The function values at the critical point and endpoints within the interval [ − 2 , − 1/2 ]
the critical points in step 2 and  At x=−2:f (−2)=−22
the endpoints.  At x=−7/6:f(−7/6)=−229/6
 At x=−1/2:f(−/12)=−41/4

STEP 4: Identify the absolute the absolute maximum is f ( − 7/6 ) = − 229/6 and the absolute minimum is f( − 2 ) = − 22
extrema.

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